Telling Your Story Is an Act of Worship: Summer Camp and VBS 2026 Experience Challenge
“Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.” — Psalm 107:2
Every encounter with God gives us a story worth sharing. When we tell others what God has taught us, how He has helped us, and how an experience has changed our lives, we are doing more than giving a report. We are expressing gratitude, bearing witness to God’s goodness, and offering an act of worship.
Children, youth, and teenagers who participated in a Christian summer camp or Vacation Bible School anywhere in the world in 2026 are invited to share their experiences through the Summer Camp and VBS 2026 Experience Challenge.
Special attention will be given to participants in:
- Summer Camp 2026, held from 24–26 July 2026 in Groningen, the Netherlands, with the theme “Leading Forward.”
- Vacation Bible School at Columbia Drive United Methodist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, held from 21–23 July 2026.
Participants are encouraged to reflect on what they learned, how the experience affected their faith, and how it inspired them to grow in leadership, friendship, confidence, service, and their relationship with God.
By sharing your story, you may encourage another young person, strengthen someone’s faith, and help others understand what God did in your life during the camp or VBS.
How to Participate
Choose one of the following submission formats:
Option 1: Written Reflection or Blog Post
Write a personal reflection of one to two pages.
Your reflection may include:
- What you expected before attending
- The name, location, dates, and theme of the camp or VBS
- The activities, Bible lessons, or sessions you enjoyed most
- Your most memorable experience
- An important spiritual or personal lesson you learned
- What the camp or VBS theme means to you
- How the experience strengthened your faith, leadership, friendships, confidence, or commitment to service
- How you plan to apply what you learned at home, school, church, or in your community
Participants from the Groningen camp may explain what “Leading Forward” means to them.
You may also include suitable photographs from the camp or VBS.
Option 2: Short Video Reflection
Create a video of not more than three minutes.
In your video:
- Introduce yourself
- Mention the name and location of the camp or VBS you attended
- Share your favourite experience
- Explain one important lesson you learned
- Describe what the theme means to you
- Explain how the experience affected your faith or personal life
- Tell us how you will apply what you learned in your daily life
Record your video in a quiet, well-lit place. Speak clearly and make sure your voice can be heard.
Language
Submissions may be made in:
- English
- Dutch
- Both English and Dutch
Gifts and Publication Opportunities
Outstanding participants will receive special gifts.
The best written submissions may be published on the Practical Theology in Motion blog, while selected video submissions may be featured on the Optimistic Scholar YouTube channel.
For participants under the age of 18, parental or guardian permission will be required before their submission, name, photograph, or video is published.
Submission Requirements
Each submission must be original and presented in the participant’s own words.
Please include:
- Full name
- Age
- Phone number
- Home address
- Name and location of the camp or VBS attended
Do not simply list the activities that took place. Tell us how the experience affected you personally and spiritually, what God taught you, and how you intend to move forward.
How to Submit
Send your written reflection or video to:
optimisticscholarship@gmail.com
Submission Deadline
August 10, 2026
Your story matters. Your experience may inspire someone else. As you share what God has done in your life, let your storytelling become an expression of gratitude, testimony, and worship.
Share Your Story. Inspire Others. Tell What God Has Done!
